Safety
Safety is a priority at Homer
Electric. Safety reminders when using electricity around the house:
- Do not overload electrical outlets or
extension cords.
- Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, outdoor receptacles, and other water access
areas.
- Use proper wattage when replacing burned-out
bulbs for lamps and lighting fixtures to prevent overheating and risk of fire.
- Do not use electrical appliances like radios,
hairdryers, etc. around baths or showers.
- Do not run extension cords underneath rugs,
carpets, or furniture.
The following
safety tips are recognized by several safety organizations
as key steps to staying safe around power lines.
-
Always assume
that a power line is live, energized, and dangerous. This
includes power lines that may be on the ground as a result
of a storm, vehicle accident, or other types of unusual
circumstances. Power lines are extremely hazardous and can
kill you if contact is made. You need to stay a minimum of
ten feet away from a power line, but the further away from
the line you are, the safer you will be. If you see a
downed power line, report it immediately to Homer Electric
at 1-888-8OUTAGE or call 911.
-
Never make
contact with power lines with anything; this includes your
body and any kind of tool, pole, tree branch, or board.
Keep all equipment such as ladders, cranes, scaffolding,
high-reach tools, and booms away from power lines (at
least ten feet). The equipment does not have to touch the
line to conduct electricity. Electricity can jump, or arc,
to a piece of equipment or person who gets too close.
-
Beware of a
downed power line touching a vehicle. If a power line does
fall on your vehicle, stay inside until emergency
assistance arrives and warn others to stay away from the
vehicle. If you must get out of the vehicle due to a fire
or other life-threatening situation, jump clear, do not
touch any part of your car and the ground at the same
time, and stay away from the fallen line.
-
Do not trim or
climb trees near power lines. If you have questions about
removing limbs or trees near the power line, call Homer
Electric Association.
-
When you are
going to dig, call the Alaska Dig Line at 1-800-478-3121
for utility locates before you begin excavating. There is
no charge for this service. Contacting an underground
power line with a piece of equipment can result in serious
injury or death.
Please take time
to talk to your friends and family about these safety tips.
And always remember when you are around power lines:
Look up! Look down! Look Out!
For more
information go to
www.esfi.org
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